A few words about Coeur d’Alene:
CDA is a wonderful area on the shores of Lake Coeur d’ Alene in Northern Idaho, and it is one of the state’s bigger municipalities. It’s one of the nicest spots to visit in Idaho, in my opinion, because you get a good-sized town with amenities plus you’re right on a lake!
Summer is the ideal time to visit, but there are still plenty of winter things to enjoy.
CDA is also adjacent to Hayden Lake, Fernan Lake, the Spokane River, and the Coeur d’Alene River, so if you enjoy freshwater bodies of water, this could be the spot for you. Schweitzer Mountain is the closest ski resort, plus it’s close to another excellent town, Sandpoint, Idaho!
Coeur d’Alene Idaho’s Best Attractions
Coeur d’Alene is a town in the state of Idaho.
COEUR D’ALENE GETTING THERE
Flying:
Spokane International Airport in Washington is the closest airport to Coeur d’Alene (about 40 minutes away). Most major cities in the United States and Canada have nonstop or one-stop flights to Spokane. At less than an hour after landing, you’ll be in the beautiful town of Coeur d’Alene. If you don’t want to hire a car, I recommend taking a taxi or Uber into town. If you fly into Seattle, it will take you roughly 4.40 hours to get to CDA.
Driving:
You can either take an uber or drive the highway from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, or Canada to get to CDA from the airport.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN COEUR D’ALENE?
Coeur d’Alene Resort — If you want to stay in Coeur d’Alene’s most iconic location, this is the place to go. It’s a top-rated hotel with a wonderful infinity pool, award-winning spa, and hot tubs, and it’s directly on the lake. It is regarded as the ‘go-to’ location in CDA. Here are the current pricing.
Airbnb Vacation Rentals– If you can find a lake house close to the lake or in town, I highly recommend it. Use my link to get a $40 discount on your rental! Beautiful homes, downtown apartments, and cottages in wonderful locations are available. Here’s a list of all the open cabins.
Roosevelt Inn – This Bed & Breakfast is maintained by locals and is located in the former Roosevelt Schoolhouse. Each room is uniquely decorated, and the water is only an 8-minute walk away. I have several friends who have stayed here and rave about it, so even though I haven’t, I felt it was worth mentioning!
COEUR D’ALENE ACTIVITIES
The views at the Coeur d’Alene Resort are spectacular!
You may walk about the property and enjoy the lake views. For breakfast, I recommend the Dockside restaurant, and for a cocktail, Whispers. Both offer spectacular views of the lake. McEuen Park, a lakeside park with leisure pathways and a huge playground with a splash pad, is also a short walk away.
Take a stroll through the charming downtown area.
The Mudgy & Millie Moose Trail, which runs through town, is also worth checking out.
In the summer, enjoy lake activities such as parasailing, boat rentals, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
The majority of these sports can be hired from Kayak Coeur d’Alene and Coeur d’Alene Water Sports, which are both located near the resort.
16 acres of beach and park space can be found in Coeur d’Alene City Park and Independence Point.
In the summer, take a stroll around the Farmer’s Market, which takes place every Wednesday night.
Bike along the Centennial Trail or the Hiawatha Trail in Northern Idaho.
The Hiawatha Trail, which stretches 15 miles and passes over 10 train tunnels and several huge trestles, is regarded one of the most enjoyable things to do in CDA. What’s the best part? It’s primarily downhill and suitable for people of all ages. On the other hand, the Northern Idaho Centennial Trail is a 23-mile pedestrian path with some of the nicest views in the area.
Timberline Adventures will take you on a zipline tour into the forest.
Sam, one of my friends who lives there, thinks it’s a lot of fun.
In the summer, go cliff jumping or trek up to Tubbs Hill for a glimpse of the lake.
Tubbs Hill is a terrific trek at any time of year, and in the winter, it’s a great place to see bald eagles. Mineral Ridge, with its 3.3 miles of route and proximity to town, is another favorite hiking area.
Midtown is home to some of the best restaurants and shopping in the city.
There are a number of vintage and thrift stores here, as well as several amusing restaurants.
In the summer, visit the Silverwood Theme Park, which transforms into a wonderful water park!
Play a round of golf!
CDA has a large number of golf courses. Coeur d’Alene Public Golf Course is one of the most popular public courses in the area. CDA Resort, Avondale, Highlands, and Circling Raven at the CDA Casino are among the other courses available.
Take a lake boat to see the lake and mountains from a different perspective.
A visit to an alpaca farm is a must!
After all, you are in Northern Idaho. Meet these adorable creatures at Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch.
A state park near Coeur d’Alene is a great place to visit.
If you want to get out of the city, head to Farragut State Park on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, which is about 30 miles from CDA. Look for bald eagles perched in the trees near the shoreline if you visit during the winter. Coeur d’Alene Parkway is another popular state park for walkers and bikers. In the winter, keep an eye out for bald eagles.
Are you a history buff?
Visit Fort Sherman, Coeur d’Alene’s oldest church, library, school, and meeting hall, or the Museum of North Idaho to learn about the area’s distinctive legacy.
Silver Mountain Resort is around 40 minutes east of CDA if you’re in town during the winter.
In the winter, this area is ideal for skiing, and in the summer, it is ideal for hiking and mountain biking.